OPEN
Up to and including 5'2"
Over 5'2" up to and including 5'4"
Over 5'4" up to and including 5'6"
Over 5'6"
NOVICE
Up to and including 5'4"
Over 5'4" up to and including 5'6"
Over 5'6"
MASTERS
Over 35
Photo credit: Tony Sbriglia
Key Dates
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Entry Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:00 PM (late entries = $40 handling fee)
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Check-In & Suit Inspection: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM — ProMuscle Lifting Club
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Athlete Meeting: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM — Buffalo Marriott Niagara
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Pre-Judging: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Buffalo Marriott Niagara
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Finals: Athletes report by 4:30 PM | Show at 5:00 PM — Buffalo Marriott Niagara
Judging Criteria
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A foundation of muscle for shape without excessive muscularity
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Full, round glutes with a slight separation (no squared glutes)
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Small degree of roundness in the delts (no capped delts)
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Flat, conditioned core
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Overall look: suit, hair, makeup, tan, poise, and confidence
Stage & Presentation
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Model Walk: Athletes walk to center stage, hit a front stance, turn to a back stance, then return to front before moving to the side of stage (time limit: 10 seconds)
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Comparison Round: Competitors line up in groups for front and back stances. Judges compare athletes against one another; no side judging is used.
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Arm placement must be natural — no exaggerated hand/elbow poses.
Competition Suit
Scoring
On-Stage Rules
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Two-piece suit, bottoms must be V-shaped (no thongs)
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Suits may be off-the-rack but must be tasteful; embellishments are permitted
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Athletes are advised to bring two suits in case one is not approved at check-in
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High heels required; jewelry permitted
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Balance and shape
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Conditioning and overall tone (not excessive leanness)
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Overall physical appearance: complexion, skin tone, suit choice, confidence, and stage presentation
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Presentation must remain professional; lewd acts or vulgar movements are not permitted
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Athletes must follow all head judge instructions
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Sportsmanship is expected at all times
Key Links
